Temporary electrode connection for wireless pacing systems

ABSTRACT

Delivery of an implantable wireless receiver-stimulator (R-S) into the heart using delivery catheter is described. R-S comprises a cathode and an anode and wirelessly receives and converts energy, such as acoustic ultrasound energy, to electrical energy to stimulate the heart. Conductive wires routed through the delivery system temporarily connect R-S electrodes to external monitor and pacing controller. R-S comprises a first temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the cathode, and a second temporary electrical connection from the catheter to the anode. Temporary electrical connections allow external monitoring of heart&#39;s electrical activity as sensed by R-S electrodes to determine tissue viability for excitation as well as to assess energy conversion efficiency.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/037978, filed Mar. 23, 2009, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Application No. 61/039,335, filed Mar. 25, 2008, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the present invention relates generally to implanted devices for tissue stimulation, monitoring, and other therapeutic or diagnostic functions, and specifically to implantable devices for the stimulation of cardiac tissue, for example pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). More specifically, it pertains to such devices utilizing wireless energy transfer, for example using ultrasound energy.

2. Description of the Background Art

Pacemakers provide electrical stimulus to heart tissue to cause the heart to contract and hence pump blood. Conventionally, pacemakers include a pulse generator, typically implantable in a patient's pectoral region, with one or more leads (wires) extending from the pulse generator into a heart chamber. The lead terminates at an electrode, which is implanted in the heart.

While pacemakers using leads are widely used, they have several drawbacks. For example, the gradual intertwining of leads with heart tissue over time secures the lead in place but also hinders lead removal or repositioning. Another drawback to using leads is the limit placed on the number of heart sites that may be stimulated. While pacing at multiple sites may be beneficial for treating different heart conditions such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmia and atrial fibrillation, using multiple leads may block a clinically significant fraction of the cross section of the veins and cavities through which the leads are routed.

Pacing systems using wireless electrodes have been suggested as a way of overcoming the limitations of conventional systems with leads, with wireless receiver-stimulator electrodes implanted into the heart wall and in wireless communication with transmitter(s) for energy delivery or for communication of control or feedback signals. The inventors of this patent application have proposed systems using implantable wireless electrodes that receive acoustic energy and convert it into electrical energy for electrically stimulating the heart. Such methods and systems have been disclosed in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Nos. (Publication No.) 20060136004, 20060136005, 20070027508, 20070055184, 20070078490 and 20070060961 and Ser. No. 11/752,775, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As another example, U.S. Patent Application No. (Publication No.) 2006/0085039 discloses a system using implantable wireless electrodes that receive energy via inductive coupling of a coil in the electrode to a radio frequency antenna attached to a central pacing controller.

When implanting a wireless receiver-stimulator, the choice of the implantation location is important for at least two reasons. First, it is desirable that the tissue in electrical contact with the stimulation electrodes of the receiver-stimulator be sufficiently excitable to allow efficient pacing stimulation by the receiver-stimulator. Secondly, it is desirable that the wireless receiver-stimulator be positioned relative to the wireless transmitter to allow efficient wireless communication between the two, particularly with respect to energy transmission and reception.

While the determination of the location in conventional systems with leads involves fairly straightforward techniques, such techniques do not translate directly for wireless pacing systems. In a conventional pacing system, determination of an excitable tissue location is customarily practiced by monitoring electrogram (EGM) signals at the implantation site and additionally by stimulating or pacing through the electrodes, before permanently implanting them in the patient. The user simply connects the proximal end of the pacing lead into a pacemaker programmer or other electrophysiology instrumentation that allows the user to monitor EGM signals from the electrodes on the lead and to stimulate through the electrodes on the lead to confirm that the implant location is appropriate.

In contrast, in a wireless system one obstacle is the lack of a direct connection to one or more of the electrodes for the monitoring of EGM signals. Additionally, stimulating through the wireless electrodes involves transmission of energy from a transmitter to a receiver-stimulator through a wireless process, whether for charging the receiver-stimulator or for transduction from wirelessly delivered energy to stimulation energy. This lumps two effects together: the efficiency of the wireless transfer of energy (by whatever means the system employs, such as acoustic energy, radio frequency (RF), or other means) and the properties and excitability of the tissue that the pacing electrodes are placed over. This could result in user confusion and potentially inaccurate determination of pacing thresholds and energy conversion efficiencies.

For example, in a conventional pacing system with leads, a high pacing threshold implies a poor location for placing the pacing electrodes. This may indicate, for example, that the electrodes are not in close proximity to the tissue or are placed over non-excitable tissue. A straightforward resolution of this problem is moving the electrode until an appropriate location is found. In contrast, in a wireless system a high energy level that is required to pace could be the result of inefficient or poor wireless transfer of energy from the transmitter to the receiver-stimulator, or, similar to the conventional pacing system, the result of a poor location of the receiver-stimulator not in close proximity to the tissue or over non-excitable tissue.

An extension of the above lead-based techniques to wireless stimulation systems comprises establishing electrical contact between one or more of the electrodes of an implantable wireless receiver-stimulator, a delivery system (such as a catheter or the like), and the tissue. Alternatively, surrogate electrodes on the delivery system, i.e., not the electrodes of the wireless receiver-stimulator, may be used for assessing whether the tissue is excitable. However, it requires the use of one or more of the electrodes of the implantable wireless receiver-stimulator to fully assess the efficient and effective transfer of energy to the receiver-stimulator from the transmitter. The desirable approach is to use one or more of the electrodes of the implantable wireless receiver-stimulator to sense local tissue EGMs in order to (1) determine a suitable implant location, as well as (2) determine efficiency of energy conversion by the wireless implant. For example, such a technique is partially suggested in the above referenced U.S. Patent Application (Publication No.) 2006/0085039. Another approach to determine the appropriate location for implantation of the electrodes is to observe the hemodynamic parameters of the heart upon stimulating a location. Such an approach is described in the Applicants' co-pending U.S. Patent Application (Publication No.) 2007/0060961. While this desirable approach may be constructed, it does give rise to a number of challenges.

First, once the wireless electrode is implanted, disconnected from the delivery system, and the delivery system is removed, any conductive material at the severed connection on the wireless implant, remaining exposed after disconnecting the delivery system from the electrode(s), presents a potential alternate electrical path between the implant electrodes and the exposed remains, allowing some or all of the stimulation current to bypass the desired stimulation path and thereby reduce or entirely undermine stimulation effectiveness.

Second, it is also desirable to be able to assess conversion efficiency in-situ, perhaps over a variety of energy transmission conditions. It would be desirable to perform this assessment while directly connected to one or more of the electrodes without requiring that the wireless implant deliver electrical output (stimulation energy) at sufficient strength to capture tissue. By monitoring the electrical energy output, the efficiency of transmission can be assessed and the likelihood of pacing capture can be correlated with the efficiency.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a wireless pacing system that allows the user to determine a suitable implant location and assess the efficiency of energy conversion prior to permanent implantation by using the pacing electrodes of the receiver-stimulator, and further eliminate exposed residual conductive material after removal of the delivery system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to wireless receiver-stimulator devices for cardiac stimulation. An implantable wireless receiver-stimulator is implanted into a location in the heart using a delivery system, which typically comprises a delivery catheter but may take other forms as well. The receiver-stimulator comprises a cathode and an anode, and is configured to receive energy delivered by a controller-transmitter. The receiver-stimulator converts the energy to electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy as pacing pulse (stimulation) energy, through the cathode and anode stimulation electrodes, which stimulates the heart. By practice, the cathode is typically the P− and the anode is typically the P+ for the stimulation electrodes.

The delivery system comprises conductive wires routed through the catheter which temporarily connect one or more of the electrodes of the receiver-stimulator to an external monitor and pacing controller. A first temporary electrical connection connects the delivery system with the receiver-stimulator's cathode, and a second temporary electrical connection connects the delivery system with the receiver-stimulator's anode. The system may be operated with a single temporary connection, preferably to the cathode, and an indifferent electrode, which may be a separate electrode acting as the anode (apart from the anode of the receiver-stimulator) that is integrated into the delivery system or on a separate device, or still further a body surface electrode. Temporary electrical connections allow the user to monitor the heart's electrical activity at a location in the heart as sensed by the receiver-stimulator's cathode and anode and determine whether the location indicates excitable heart tissue. Alternatively, combination of the temporary electrical connection between the receiver-stimulator's cathode and a monitoring system and a permanent electrical connection between the indifferent electrode and the monitoring system can also be used to determine whether the location indicates excitable heart tissue.

Once a receiver-stimulator is positioned at a heart location intended as the implant location, the heart tissue is stimulated using electrical stimulation energy from an external pacing controller delivered to the tissue through the receiver-stimulator's cathode and an anode via the temporary electrical connection(s), thereby allowing determination of an acceptable electrical pacing threshold at the location of the cathode prior to permanent attachment of the wireless receiver-stimulator to the heart wall.

The temporary electrical connection can also be used to determine the efficiency of conversion of energy to electrical stimulation energy by the receiver-stimulator at a given location in the heart. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by delivering acoustic energy from a wireless controller-transmitter or similar implantable or externally-applied acoustic transmitter to the wireless receiver-stimulator, converting the acoustic energy to electrical energy, and delivering electrical energy to the heart tissue through the receiver-stimulator's cathode and an anode, while monitoring the electrical energy using an external monitor connected to the electrodes via the temporary electrical connections through the delivery system. The electrical energy in this embodiment need not be at pacing strength, since conversion efficiency can be gauged even at lower energy levels. In an alternative embodiment, the heart is stimulated at pacing strength using the electrical energy that was converted from the acoustic energy, and the EGM generated by the stimulation of heart tissue is monitored using the temporary electrode connections on the receiver-stimulator or other electrodes, e.g., surface EKG electrodes or other electrodes mounted on the delivery system.

When a suitable implantation location is determined, the wireless receiver-stimulator is attached to the heart wall and the temporary electrical connections are disconnected using a disconnect mechanism. The disconnect mechanism is configured to prevent the creation of an unwanted secondary set of conductive areas on the receiver-stimulator.

In one embodiment, the disconnect mechanism seals an electrical contact point of the cathode temporary electrical connection on the receiver-stimulator from patient fluid or tissue. In another embodiment, the disconnect mechanism comprises a magnetically operated switch which opens when the delivery system is detached from the receiver-stimulator, thereby internally disconnecting the cathode temporary electrical connection contact point on the receiver-stimulator from the active electrodes of the receiver-stimulator. In other embodiments, the disconnect mechanism comprises bellows configured to stretch and disconnect the cathode temporary electrical connection when the delivery system is disconnected, or a conductive dome structure configured to pop out and disconnect the cathode temporary electrical connection when the delivery system is pulled away and disconnected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention has other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a-1 c are diagrammatic views of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system.

FIG. 2 a is a cross sectional view of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system in a retracted state.

FIG. 2 b is a diagrammatic view of a needle assembly.

FIG. 2 c is a cross sectional view of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system in an injected state.

FIG. 2 d is a cross sectional view of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system in a triggered state.

FIG. 2 e is a cross sectional view of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system in a released state.

FIG. 2 f is a cross sectional view of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system in a tethered state.

FIG. 2 g is a cross sectional view of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system in a tether broken state.

FIG. 2 h is a cross sectional view of a wireless cardiac stimulation device and a delivery system in a delivered state.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a delivery system.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps for implantation of a receiver-stimulator into the heart.

FIG. 5 a is a diagrammatic view of a sealed disconnect mechanism of a wireless receiver-stimulator.

FIG. 5 b is a diagrammatic view of a conductive wire passing through a hole or slit of the sealed disconnect mechanism of FIG. 2 a and connecting with the cathode.

FIG. 5 c is a diagrammatic view of a magnetically operated disconnect mechanism.

FIG. 5 d is a diagrammatic view of a magnetically operated disconnect mechanism.

FIGS. 5 e-f are diagrammatic views of a disconnect mechanism using a bellows.

FIGS. 5 g-h are diagrammatic views of a disconnect mechanism using a conductive dome structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. In general, features described in one embodiment might be suitable for use in other embodiments as would be apparent to those skilled in the art.

A wireless cardiac stimulation system is disclosed that allows the user to assess tissue viability for excitation at a location in the heart, determine an acceptable electrical pacing threshold at the location, and determine operational efficiency of a wireless cardiac stimulation system at the location, prior to permanent implantation of the wireless pacing device.

FIGS. 1 a-1 c are diagrammatic views of a wireless cardiac stimulation system 101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A delivery system 102 with a wireless receiver-stimulator (hereinafter also abbreviated as “R-S”) 103 attached to the delivery system's distal tip 104 is inserted into the body of a patient. Typically, this would be through vascular access through the groin. Other entry sites sometimes chosen are found in the neck and are in general well known by physicians who practice such medical procedures.

The delivery system 102 is positioned so that the R-S 103 at the distal tip 104 of the delivery system 102 is appropriately situated on a part of the heart wall 105 where the R-S 103 is to be attached/implanted. The insertion of the delivery system 102 may be facilitated by the use of a guidewire and/or a guiding catheter, as is known in the art. In addition, the movement of the delivery system 102 may be monitored fluoroscopically.

The wireless R-S 103 comprises a cathode 106 and an anode 110 for stimulating patient tissue, with the cathode 106 located at the distal tip of the R-S 103. The cathode is intentionally designed with a smaller surface area relative to the anode. This leads to higher current densities at the cathode, resulting in tissue stimulation at the cathode. Hence, the term cathode and stimulation electrode are interchangeably used. Additionally, the delivery system 102 comprises two temporary electrical connections between the R-S 103 and the delivery system 102: a first temporary electrical connection for establishing electrical contact with the cathode 106 and a second temporary electrical connection for establishing electrical contact with the anode 110. Alternatively, this may take the form of a single temporary electrical connection for establishing contact with the cathode 106 and the second electrical connection provided by an indifferent electrode 110C configured onto the delivery system (see FIG. 1 b) or an indifferent electrode 110P that is configured to be in electrical contact with the patient's body that is remote from the delivery system (see FIG. 1 c), wherein this second electrical connection is not temporary electrical connection. The temporary electrical connections comprise electrical contact points between the proximal end of the R-S 103 and the distal end of the delivery system 102. Specifically, the first temporary electrical connection (for the cathode) is between a first electrical contact point on the proximal end of the R-S 103 and a first electrical contact point on the distal end of the delivery system 102. Similarly, the second temporary electrical connection (for the anode) is between a second electrical contact point on the proximal end of the R-S 103 and a second electrical contact point on the distal end of the delivery system 102. The temporary electrical connections provide conductive paths from the cathode 106 and anode 110 of the R-S 103 to an external monitor and pacing controller via conductive wires 107 routed through the delivery system 102, allowing externally controlled monitoring and pacing. Once the R-S 103 is permanently attached to patient tissue, the R-S 103 detaches from the delivery system 102 and the temporary electrical connections are disconnected.

It is noted that on the R-S 103, any metal or conductive material on the cathode's temporary electrical connection contact point that remains exposed after the R-S 103 detaches from the delivery system 102 presents a potential for an alternate electrical path between the remaining conductive material and the anode. This could allow some or all of the stimulation current to bypass the desired path between the cathode 106 at the distal tip of the R-S 103 and the anode 110, at best reducing the efficiency of the wireless R-S 103 and at worst shunting energy away from the tissue and rendering the wireless R-S 103 ineffective. Therefore, various disconnect mechanisms for the cathode's temporary electrical connection are disclosed herein which isolate one or more electrical contact points of the cathode's temporary electrical connection on the wireless R-S 103. One particular embodiment comprises using a non-hermetically sealed enclosure around the cathode's temporary electrical connection contact point on the R-S 103. Another embodiment comprises using magnetic and/or mechanical switches internal to the R-S 103 for electrically isolating the cathode's temporary electrical connection contact point from the cathode itself. These and other embodiments are described in more detail below. The R-S 103 and the delivery system 102 will now be described in more detail.

FIG. 2 a shows a cross sectional view of a wireless R-S 103 attached to a delivery system 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The wireless R-S 103 comprises a needle assembly 115 (also called an axle assembly), also shown in FIG. 2 b. The needle assembly 115 has a cathode 106 at its distal tip for stimulating the heart tissue. The needle assembly 115 is coated with an insulating layer, such as a thin ceramic layer, except at the cathode 106, at a segment 118 a (shown in FIG. 2 b) to allow for an electrical path from the internals of the R-S 103 to the cathode 106 via the needle assembly 115, and at a proximal segment 118 b (shown in FIG. 2 b) to allow for an electrical path from the delivery system 102 to the cathode 106 via the needle assembly 115. The needle assembly 115 further comprises a neck 119 configured to snap and disconnect as the delivery system 102 disengages from the R-S 103.

FIG. 2 a shows the needle assembly 115 in a retracted state, with the cathode 106 fully within the R-S 103. The needle assembly 115 comprises one or more barbs 116 coupled proximal to the cathode 106. The barbs 116 are released when the needle assembly 115 is pushed sufficiently distally outward from the R-S 103 towards the heart wall 105. The distal portion of the delivery system 102 is shown in an enlarged view in the bottom panel of FIG. 2 a. A conductive wire 123 in the delivery system 102 is coupled to a proximal segment 126 of the needle assembly 115 by a connecting collar 124.

The outside of the wireless R-S 103 housing serves as an anode 110 for stimulating the heart tissue. The anode 110 may comprise only a portion of the R-S 103 housing, or it may comprise the entire outer surface of the R-S 103 housing. The R-S 103 preferably comprises an endothelial growth promoting covering 132 which does not insulate the surface of the anode 110. For example, in one embodiment the covering 132 may comprise a polyester mesh.

The delivery system 102 comprises a flexible outer sheath 133 connected to a rigid collar 125 with flexible extensions or fingers 114. The fingers 114 are held by tubular extension 121 radially outwards into place around an indentation 120 of the R-S 103, thereby detachably attaching the delivery system 102 to the R-S 103. In one embodiment, the fingers 114 are made of a superelastic material, such as Nitinol, and configured to collapse radially inwards in the absence of a restrictive force and thereby release the R-S 103. Alternatively, the fingers 114 may comprise stainless steel, since it is contemplated that the strains experienced by such fingers 114 are small. A tubular extension 121 attached to the distal end of a retractable flexible wire coil 122 inside the sheath 133 provides such a restrictive force and holds the fingers 114 radially extended, preventing them from collapsing. To release the delivery system 102 from the R-S 103, the wire coil 122 and its tubular extension 121 are retracted, thereby allowing the fingers 114 to collapse and release the R-S 103.

Once the delivery system 102 has been maneuvered into place within the heart chamber, the wireless R-S 103, being disposed at the distal end of the delivery system 102, comes close to or contacts the heart wall 105 such that the cathode 106 is in electrical contact with the heart wall 105. The anode 110 may be in contact with the heart wall 105 or it may remain within the chamber of the heart. Alternatively, any other indifferent electrode (110C or 110P), e.g., one positioned on the outer sheath of the delivery system 102 or placed on the patient's body remote from the delivery system, respectively, may be used as an anode. The wireless R-S 103 can thus be repositioned by the delivery system 102 to assess electrical activity at various locations of the heart wall 105 using the cathode 106 and the anode 110 or indifferent electrode 110C or 110P.

During the implantation of the wireless R-S 103, temporary electrical connections from the delivery system 102 to the wireless R-S 103 electrodes are provided, one for the cathode 106 and one for the anode 110. The exploded view in the bottom panel in FIG. 2 a shows one or more electrical contact points 112 a at the distal end of the delivery system 102 and one or more electrical contact points 112 b at the proximal end of the R-S 103, where the anode 110 of the R-S 103 comes into electrical contact with one or more fingers 114 of the delivery system 102 to form a temporary electrical connection for the anode 110. Note that the contact points 112 a and 112 b are shown apart in the enlarged view of FIG. 2 a for illustration purposes only, as they are actually in contact in the particular configuration of the R-S 103 shown in FIG. 2 a. One or more conductive wires coupled to the fingers 114, provide a conductive path from the anode 110 to an external monitor or controller via the delivery system 102. Optionally, these wires may also serve as articulation control wires. Alternatively, the rigid collar 125 makes electrical contact with the tubular extension 121 of flexible coil 122 which in turn provides a conductive path from anode 110 to an external monitor or controller via the delivery system 102. In one embodiment, the R-S 103 and the fingers 114 are gold plated at the temporary electrical contact points 112 in order to provide increased electrical conductivity.

While a direct temporary electrical connection is provided from the delivery system 102 to the anode 110 as described above, it is contemplated that a direct connection from the delivery system 102 to the cathode 106 located at the distal tip of the wireless R-S 103 may provide alternative current paths, or may impose complications in manufacturing, cost or reliability. Thus, a temporary electrical connection between the distal end of the delivery system 102 and the proximal end of the wireless R-S 103 housing is disclosed herein that provides a conductive path from the distal tip of the delivery system 102 via the needle assembly 115 to the cathode 106.

In one embodiment, this temporary electrical connection to the cathode 106 comprises an enclosure 117 configured around the neck segment 119 of the needle assembly 115. At its distal end, the enclosure 117 is tightly coupled to the needle assembly 115. Internally, the enclosure 117 comprises a seal 127 around the proximal segment 126 of the needle assembly 115. The seal 127 may be made of silicone, rubber or other flexible insulating material. The seal 127 need not necessarily be hermetic, but it is configured to provide high enough electrical resistance, for example in excess of 10,000 ohms, between the detached temporary electrical connection and the heart wall 105 or the fluid within the heart chamber to allow substantially any electrical current applied to the needle 115 to flow through the electrical path of the cathode 106 to the anode 110.

When the R-S 103 is permanently attached to the heart wall 105 and the delivery system 102 is to detach from the R-S 103, the conductive wire 123 is retracted into the delivery system 102, breaking the needle assembly 115 at the neck 119 and removing the proximal segment 126 of the needle assembly 115 from the enclosure 117. In such an embodiment, the two end points of the broken neck represent the two temporary electrical contact points for the temporary electrical connection between the catheter and the cathode. Upon removal of the proximal segment 126 from the enclosure 117, the seal 127 closes in around the hole left by the removed proximal segment 126, electrically isolating the remaining part of the needle assembly 115 (which includes the cathode temporary electrical connection contact point on the R-S 103) inside the sealed enclosure 117 from patient fluid and tissue.

We now turn to describing a sequence of states for the R-S 103 as it goes from introduction into the patient to final attachment to the heart wall 105. This sequence is shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 h. In FIG. 2 a (“retracted state”), the R-S 103 is initially introduced into the patient. The R-S 103 is attached to the delivery system 102 and the needle assembly 115 is in a retracted state. In FIG. 2 c (“injected state”), a wire coil 131 and its extension 130 have pushed the needle assembly 115 distally with respect to the body of the R-S 103, injecting the cathode 106 into the patient's heart wall 105 but without releasing the barbs 116. The distal mechanism of the catheter is such that the extension 130 is limited in its travel so that movement of the wire coil 131 cannot move the needle assembly 115 into its triggered state, thereby obviating requirements for precise motion in the handle of the delivery system 102. In FIG. 2 d (“triggered state”), a wire coil 129 and its extension 128 have pushed the needle assembly 115 further out, releasing the barbs 116 and allowing the R-S 103 to securely attach itself to the heart wall 105.

In FIG. 2 e (“released state”), the wire coil 122 and its extension 121 are retracted into the delivery system 102, thereby allowing the fingers 114 to radially collapse inwards and release the R-S 103. At this point, the temporary electrical connection for the anode 110 is disconnected, as the contact points 112 a on the one or more fingers 114 of the delivery system 102 disconnect from their corresponding contact points 112 b on the R-S 103.

In FIG. 2 f (“tethered state”), the catheter sheath 133 and wire coils 122 and 131 are retracted and/or the wire coil 129 and wire 123 are extended, leaving the R-S 103 tethered to the wire 123 and in contact or in proximity with the tubular extension 128 of the wire coil 129. The tethered state allows the R-S 103 to remain attached to the delivery system 102 and retrievable, while being only connected by a very flexible coupling. This flexibility allows the R-S 103 to move with the heart wall independently of the delivery system 102, demonstrating under flouroscopic visualization that the R-S 103 is reliably attached to the heart wall 105. Additionally, the delivery system 102 and the tethering mechanism can be moved by small amounts, changing the degree of slack without eliminating slack. Such movement may demonstrate that the attachment point of the R-S 103 to the heart wall remains fixed while the orientation of the R-S 103 with respect to the heart wall varies, further indicating reliable attachment. In FIG. 2 g (“tether broken state”), the wire 123 is retracted while the wire coil 129 and its extension 128 exert a resistance against the R-S 103 and prevent it from being pulled along. This causes the needle assembly 115 to break at the neck 119. The two end points of the broken neck 119 represent the two temporary electrical contact points for the temporary electrical connection between the delivery system 102 and the cathode 106, with contact point 134 a representing the electrical contact point at the distal end of the delivery system 102 and contact point 134 b representing the electrical contact point at the proximal end of the R-S 103. As the wire 123 continues to retract, it removes with it the broken proximal piece 126 of the needle assembly 115 from the enclosure 117. Seal 127 closes following the removal of proximal piece 126, forming an electrical isolation between needle 115 and the fluid surrounding the proximal end of the R-S 103. In FIG. 2 h (“delivered state”), the wire coil 129 and its extension 128 are retracted into the delivery system 102 along with the wire 123, leaving the R-S 103 delivered in the heart wall 105.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a delivery system 102 and its handle 141, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The delivery system 102 is configured for use in the cardiovascular system of a patient and configured to be compatible with standard transvascular tools, such as introducers and guiding sheaths, and conventional techniques related to the operation of such tools.

The delivery system 102 comprises one or more safety mechanisms, interlocks, or indicators configured to prevent inadvertent attachment or release of the R-S 103.

As mentioned above, the delivery system 102 provides signal interconnect with an external monitor and pacing controller to facilitate location selection during an implant procedure by collecting local EGM signals, performing direct electrical pacing of the heart via electrical connections to one or more of the electrodes of the implantable R-S 103 device, and evaluating operational efficiency of the R-S 103.

In one embodiment, the delivery system shaft 140 is formed from polymer tubing. Conductive wires 143, deflection wires 147 and safety release interlock wires 146 are routed within the shaft 140. A proximal handle assembly 141 comprises a deflection control mechanism 142, a safety interlock release mechanism 145, and shrouded electrical connectors 144 that terminate the conductive wires 143 and permit driving the R-S 103 electrodes directly with an externally-generated electrical pacing pulse, as well as monitoring of cardiac EGM signals at the R-S 103 electrodes.

In one embodiment, the delivery system 102 is configured to attach the R-S in the left ventricle (LV) by prolapsing the shaft 140 in the aortic arch and advancing through the aortic valve of the heart atraumatically, thereby allowing access to targeted endocardial locations within the LV. The distal portion of the delivery system 102 is deflectable in one plane in at least one direction, through the handle-mounted deflection control system. The deflection control system holds a desired deflection angle. Similarly, in other embodiments the delivery system can be configured to attach the R-S in any heart chamber or on the epicardial surface of the heart or within the vasculature of the heart.

The delivery system 102 and/or R-S 103 may comprise one or more radiopaque markers at the distal end to allow fluoroscopic confirmation of the state of R-S 103 deployment. In one embodiment, the markers are configured to clearly differentiate between various stages of deployment, possibly including but not limited to: a) cathode retracted, b) cathode extended, c) attachment tines deployed, d) R-S 103 released, e) tether advanced, f) tether broken, and g) tether retracted.

In one embodiment, the delivery system 102 comprises a control mechanism to extend and retract the needle assembly 115 of the R-S 103. The control mechanism includes a safety mechanism to prevent accidental extension or retraction of the needle assembly 115. The control mechanism and/or the R-S 103 allows for locking the needle assembly 115 into the desired position (retracted or injected as shown in exemplary FIGS. 2 a and 2 c).

The delivery system 102 comprises a control mechanism to activate the attachment mechanism of the R-S 103, as shown in exemplary FIG. 2 d. This control mechanism and/or the R-S 103 design includes an interlock to prevent deployment of the R-S 103 attachment mechanism unless the cathode 106 is extended. The control mechanism to activate the attachment mechanism comprises multiple or multi-stage safety mechanisms to prevent inadvertent activation.

The delivery system 102 also comprises a control mechanism to release the R-S 103, as shown in exemplary FIGS. 2 e-2 h. The control mechanism and/or the R-S 103 design include an interlock to prevent release of the R-S 103 unless the attachment mechanism has been deployed.

The control mechanism to release the R-S 103 incorporates multiple or multi-stage safety mechanisms to prevent inadvertent activation. The delivery system 102 and/or R-S 103 comprise reliable means to verify a secure implantation prior to permanent release.

The delivery system 102 also comprises a control mechanism to tether out (extend) the R-S 103 away from the main body of the delivery system 102, as shown in exemplary FIG. 2 f. The control mechanism and/or the R-S 103 design include an interlock to prevent tethering out of the R-S 103 unless the release mechanism has been deployed. The control mechanism to tether the R-S 103 incorporates multiple or multi-stage safety mechanisms to prevent inadvertent tether extension. The delivery system 102 and/or R-S 103 comprise reliable means to verify a secure implantation prior to detaching the tether. The delivery system 102 and the R-S 103 are removable from the vasculature with the tether extended or with the tether retracted.

The delivery system 102 also comprises a control mechanism to detach the tether and disconnect the temporary electrical connection from the R-S 103, as shown in exemplary FIG. 2 g. In one embodiment the control mechanism detaches and disconnects, in alternative embodiments separate mechanisms may be applied to disconnect and detach. The control mechanism and/or the R-S 103 designs include an interlock to prevent disconnecting and detaching the tether of the delivery system 102 unless the release mechanism has been deployed. The control mechanism to disconnect the temporary electrical connection and detach the tether from the R-S 103 incorporates multiple or multi-stage safety mechanisms to prevent inadvertent detachment. The delivery system 102 and/or R-S 103 comprise reliable means to verify a secure implantation prior to disconnecting the temporary electrical connection and detaching the tether. The delivery system 102 is removable from the vasculature with the tether extended or with the tether retracted.

The delivery system 102 is removable from the vasculature by manual withdrawal through an introducer. Any enlargement or protrusion from the delivery system 102 as part of the R-S 103 release mechanism is retractable and/or reversible to allow removal. The delivery system 102 comprises conventional means to protect against accidental release of air into the vasculature or heart chamber before and after release of the R-S 103.

In one embodiment, the delivery system 102 is mated with an R-S 103 prior to packaging. The delivery system 102 and R-S 103 are mated and packaged with the cathode 106 locked in a retracted state. In one embodiment, a delivery system 102 with a pre-mated R-S 103 are packaged in a single-use sterile pouch or tray, and a catheter extension cable is packaged in the same single-use sterile pouch or tray with the delivery system 102 and R-S 103.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for implantation of a receiver-stimulator into the heart, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 450, an implantable wireless R-S 103 in retracted state is delivered into the heart at a candidate pacing location using a delivery system 102. At step 452 the heart's electrical activity is monitored at the location in the heart as sensed by the cathode 106 in an injected state and an indifferent electrode, possibly anode 110 of the R-S 103. At step 454 it is determined whether the location indicates excitable heart tissue, and if necessary the R-S 103 is repositioned until it is in contact with excitable heart tissue.

Once a location is determined to be excitable, the heart tissue is stimulated at step 456 using electrical stimulation energy from an external pacing controller delivered to the tissue through the cathode 106 in an injected state and an anode, possibly anode 110 of the R-S 103, thereby allowing determination of an acceptable electrical pacing threshold at the location prior to permanent attachment of the R-S 103 to the heart wall. If the pacing threshold is not acceptable, the R-S 103 is repositioned and the above steps are repeated until an acceptable pacing threshold is found.

At step 460, a wireless controller-transmitter (not shown) delivers acoustic energy to the wireless R-S 103, which in turn delivers electrical energy converted by the R-S 103 from the acoustic energy to the heart tissue through the cathode 106 in an injected state and necessarily the anode 110. At the same time, an external monitor, connected at least to the R-S 103 cathode 106 via the temporary electrical connection and to an indifferent electrode, possibly the anode 110 via its temporary electrical connections or alternatively an indifferent electrode 110C on the delivery system 102 or the indifferent electrode 110P, monitors and quantifies the delivered electrical energy at step 462 to determine the efficiency of conversion of acoustic energy to electrical energy by the R-S 103 at the current location and position in the heart.

As can be understood, electromagnetic energy (e.g., RF), could also be delivered wirelessly to the receiver-stimulator and the rest of the features and functionalities of the delivery system disclosed here could be used to identify the optimal location for the implant to efficiently stimulate heart tissue.

In one embodiment, the delivered electrical energy is at pacing strength to stimulate the tissue and the EGM generated by the stimulation of heart tissue is monitored using the temporary electrical connections to the cathode 106 and anode 110 to determine acoustic to electrical conversion efficiency. In an alternative embodiment, the delivered electrical energy is not at pacing/stimulation strength, but instead is at a level below the stimulation threshold; hence conversion efficiency can be gauged even at lower energy levels. In such an alternative embodiment, electrical monitoring via the temporary electrical connections to the cathode 106 and an anode, possibly the anode 110 via its temporary electrical connections or alternatively an indifferent electrode 110C on the delivery system 102 or indifferent electrode 110P that is remote from the delivery system, indicates the level of electrical energy generated by the R-S 103. A comparison of this level of generated electrical energy against the amount of acoustic energy transmitted to the R-S 103 indicates the conversion efficiency of the R-S 103.

When a suitable implantation location is determined, at step 466 the R-S 103 is attached to the heart wall in the triggered state, and at step 468 the temporary electrical connections to the cathode 106 and anode 110 are disconnected using a disconnect mechanism as the R-S 103 goes through the sequence of released state, tethered state, tether broken state, and delivered state, as described above in FIGS. 2 e-2 h.

While the above exemplary embodiments of the R-S 103 shown in FIGS. 2 a-g use a particular disconnect mechanism for the temporary electrical connection to the cathode 106, comprising a sealed enclosure 117 around a breakable neck 119 segment of the needle assembly 115, there are a variety of other disconnect mechanisms for the cathode 106 temporary electrical connection that are contemplated herein. We now turn to describing such further embodiments.

FIG. 5 a is a diagrammatic view of a sealed disconnect mechanism 108 of a wireless R-S 103, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, providing a temporary electrical connection between an electrical contact at a proximal position of the R-S 103 and an electrical contact at a distal position of the catheter assembly 102. In this embodiment, the proximal end of the wireless R-S 103 comprises a connector receptacle 203 as part of a needle assembly 115. The proximal tip of the connector receptacle 203 represents the electrical contact at a proximal position of the R-S 103. The needle assembly 115 is insulated from the anode 110 by an insulator 205. The insulator 205 may comprise ceramic, glass, or other insulating material, and additionally creates a hermetic seal between the body of the R-S 103 and the connector 203.

The connector receptacle 203 is at the proximal end of the needle assembly 115 and is electrically connected to the cathode 106 via the needle assembly 115. A seal 206 covers the connector receptacle 203 and comprises a hole or slit 207 to allow the conductive wire 123 of the delivery system 102 to pass through and electrically connect to the cathode 106 (via the connection to the connector receptacle 203). The distal tip of the conductive wire 123 represents the electrical contact at a distal position of the catheter assembly 102. This is shown in FIG. 5 b. The seal 206 may comprise silicone, rubber or other flexible insulating material.

In one embodiment, the seal 206 is compressed so that the hole or slit 207 is forced closed when the wire 123 is withdrawn, thereby isolating the connector receptacle 203 and the needle assembly 115 from patient fluid or tissue. The seal 206 need not necessarily be hermetic, but it is configured to provide high enough electrical resistance through the temporary electrical path to the connector receptacle 203 to allow substantially any electrical current to flow through the electrical path of the cathode 106 to the anode 110.

Instead of a seal, a magnetically operated switch internal to the wireless R-S 103 can be used to electrically connect the wire 123 to the cathode 106. FIG. 5 c is a diagrammatic view of a magnetically operated disconnect mechanism, in accordance with a first such embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment comprises a magnetically operated switch 211 internal to the R-S 103. The delivery system 102 comprises a magnet 210 at its distal tip, and a magnetic metal disk 212 is attracted to the feed-through 204 by the catheter magnet 210. The magnet 210 on the distal end of the delivery system 102 holds the switch 211 closed when the wireless R-S 103 is attached to the delivery system 102, bringing the magnetic metal disk 212, which is in contact with the cathode 106, into contact with a feed-through 204.

One or more springs 213 push the disk 212 away and hold the switch 211 open when the catheter magnet 210 detaches from R-S 103 and is withdrawn, at which point the switch 211 opens and the temporary electrical connection from the cathode 106 to the feed-through 204 is disconnected. FIG. 5 c shows the delivery system 102 removed and the switch 211 open.

FIG. 5 d is a diagrammatic view of a magnetically operated disconnect mechanism, in accordance with a second such embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the magnetically operated switch 220 is a “reed” switch. The reed switch 220 comprises a magnet 221 on the end of the reed lever 222. Alternately, the reed lever 222 could be made of a magnetic metal, eliminating the need for magnet 221. The magnet 221 is attracted to the feed-through 204 by a catheter magnet 210 and closes the switch 220 when the delivery system 102 is attached to the wireless R-S 103. The reed switch 220 springs back when the catheter magnet 210 is detached from R-S 103 and is withdrawn, thereby causing electrical disconnection.

FIGS. 5 e-f are diagrammatic views of a disconnect mechanism using bellows, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The disconnect mechanism comprises bellows 301 comprising an inside lead 304 on the distal end of the bellows 301 and an outside lead 305 on the proximal end of the bellows 301. The inside lead 304 is electrically connected to the cathode 106 via the needle assembly. The outside lead 305 may comprise a proximal segment for connecting with the conductive wire 123 of the catheter via a connecting collar, similar to the embodiment described in FIGS. 2 a-g, and a mechanism for mechanical disconnection. The proximal segment, needle assembly, and connecting collar are not shown in FIGS. 5 e-f, but they are analogous to those described above with reference to FIGS. 2 a-g.

The bellows 301 is initially configured such that the outside lead 305 is in electrical contact with the inside lead 304 at the electrical contact point 302 as shown in FIG. 5 e, thereby providing a temporary electrical connection between the conductive wire 123 of the delivery system 102 and the cathode 106. The bellows 301 stretches when the delivery system 102 is retracted and pulled away from the wireless R-S 103, thereby disconnecting the temporary electrical connection to the cathode 106, as shown in FIG. 5 f. When the delivery system 102 is retracted, it also detaches the delivery system 102 from the R-S 103. Note that while this leaves the outside lead 305 physically connected to the bellows 301 and hence to the R-S 103, the outside lead 305 is electrically isolated from the cathode 106. In one embodiment, the insulator 205 is hermetically connected to the enclosure of the wireless R-S 103.

FIGS. 5 g-h are diagrammatic views of a disconnect mechanism using a conductive dome structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The disconnect mechanism comprises an inside lead 313 on the distal end of the disconnect mechanism and a conductive dome structure 310 with a feature 314 on the proximal end of the disconnect mechanism. The inside lead 313 is electrically connected to the cathode 106 via the needle assembly. The conductive dome structure 310 is housed within an insulating cup 311. The insulating cup 311 comprises ceramic or other insulating material. The feature 314 may comprise a proximal segment for connecting with the conductive wire 123 of the catheter via a detachable connecting collar, similar to the embodiment described in FIGS. 2 a-g. The proximal segment, needle assembly, and connecting collar are not shown in FIGS. 5 e-f, but they are analogous to those described above with reference to FIGS. 2 a-g.

The conductive dome structure 310 is initially configured such that it is in electrical contact with the inside lead 313 at the electrical contact point 312 as shown in FIG. 5 g, thereby providing an electrical path between the conductive wire 123 of the delivery system 102 and the cathode 106. The conductive dome structure 310 pops out when the delivery system 102 is retracted and pulled away from the wireless R-S 103, thereby disconnecting the temporary electrical connection to the cathode 106, as shown in FIG. 5 h. When the delivery system 102 is retracted, it detaches the delivery system 102 from the R-S 103. Note that while this leaves the conductive dome structure 310 physically connected to the R-S 103, the conductive dome structure 310 is electrically isolated from the cathode 106. In one embodiment, the insulating cup 311 is hermetically connected to the enclosure of the wireless R-S 103, the inside lead 313, and the conductive dome structure 310, as shown in FIG. 5 h.

In an alternative embodiment, the disconnect mechanism comprises a fuse internal to the R-S 103. Once a suitable implant location has been determined and the R-S 103 has been attached to the heart, the fuse is opened (blown) by delivering sufficient current through the conductive wire 123 of the delivery system 102. The opened fuse disconnects the temporary electrical connection to the cathode 106. Alternatively, the disconnect mechanism may comprise an electronic switch internal to the R-S 103 which when activated disconnects the temporary electrical connection to the cathode 106.

Although the detailed description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but merely as illustrating different examples and aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention includes other embodiments not discussed in detail above. Various other modifications, changes and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described here. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for determining whether tissue is excitable, comprising: positioning a delivery system with an implantable and detachable receiver-stimulator attached to a distal end of the delivery system at a location in a patient's heart, wherein the receiver-stimulator comprises a cathode and an anode for stimulating the heart and a first detachable temporary electrical connection between the cathode and the distal end of the delivery system, wherein the first temporary electrical connection provides a first conductive path from the cathode to an external monitor via a first conductive wire routed through the delivery system; transmitting acoustic energy from a controller-transmitter to the receiver-stimulator; converting the acoustic energy to electrical energy by the receiver-stimulator; stimulating the heart using the receiver-stimulator at the location in the patient's heart by delivering electrical energy to the heart; determining a likelihood of pacing based on the excitability of the heart tissue by monitoring the electrical activity using the external monitor; quantifying the delivered electrical energy by using the external monitor; determining an efficiency of conversion of acoustic energy to electrical stimulation energy at the location that is determined to be excitable by comparing a level of the delivered electrical energy against the acoustic energy transmitted by the controller-transmitter; and correlating the efficiency of conversion with the likelihood of pacing of the heart issue; wherein the controller-transmitter is separate from the receiver-stimulator and the external monitor.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the stimulating the heart tissue comprises using electrical stimulation energy converted by the receive-stimulator from the acoustic energy.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: detaching the receiver-stimulator from the delivery system; and implanting the receiver-stimulator into the heart at the implantation site when the efficiency of acoustic energy conversion to electrical stimulation energy is determined to be acceptable.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the detaching comprises: activating a mechanism to disconnect at least the first temporary electrical connection.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the delivery system is a catheter-based delivery system.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver-stimulator further comprises a second detachable temporary electrical connection between the anode and the distal end of the delivery system, wherein the second temporary electrical connection provides a second conductive path from the anode to the external monitor via a second conductive wire routed through the delivery system, and the monitoring is done with the first and second temporary electrical connections.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the external monitor is an external pacing controller, the method further comprising: stimulating the heart tissue using electrical stimulation energy from the external pacing controller delivered to the tissue through the cathode and the anode.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: determining an acceptable pacing threshold at the location.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: detaching the receiver-stimulator from the delivery system; and implanting the receiver-stimulator into the heart at the location where the pacing threshold has been determined to be acceptable.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the detaching further comprises: activating a mechanism to disconnect at least the first temporary electrical connection.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring is done with the first temporary electrical connection to the cathode and an indifferent electrode in electrical contact with the patient, wherein the indifferent electrode is remote from the receiver-stimulator.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the indifferent electrode is disposed on the delivery system.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the indifferent electrode is remote from the delivery system.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the external monitor is an external pacing controller, the method further comprising: stimulating the heart tissue using electrical stimulation energy from the external pacing controller delivered to the tissue through the cathode and the indifferent electrode.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the indifferent electrode is disposed on the delivery system.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the indifferent electrode is remote form the delivery system. 